The average teacher salary has seen an increase since last year, but when factoring in inflation, teachers are actually taking home less than they were a decade ago, as reported by the nation’s largest teachers’ union.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), the average teacher salary for the 2024-25 school year stands at $74,177, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. This marks the largest year-over-year pay rise in the last decade, with teacher salaries experiencing a 27% increase from 2015-16 to 2024-25. However, when adjusting for inflation, there is a deficit of 5.1%.
Teacher salaries vary significantly by state, with California leading the pack at an average of $103,379 for this school year, while Mississippi lags behind at $55,086. The NEA report also highlights a 4.4% increase in average pay for starting teacher salaries, marking the largest growth in 15 years. The national average starting teacher salary is $46,526, but when considering inflation, this figure falls short by $3,728 compared to what new teachers earned in 2008-09.
In states where collective bargaining rights are in place, teachers earn 24% more on average than in states without such provisions. The NEA found that 96% of school districts offering teacher salaries above $100,000 are located in states with collective bargaining laws. Recent years have seen many states giving their teachers much-needed raises, with New Mexico being a standout example. The state made significant jumps in starting salaries and average teacher pay rankings within the last five years, thanks to a substantial pay raise in 2022 and a new bill signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to increase minimum teacher salaries by $5,000 for each licensure tier.
When it comes to compensation for education support professionals (ESPs), the NEA report reveals that full-time ESPs working in K-12 schools earned an average of $34,954 in the 2023-24 school year. However, ESPs earn 9% less than they did a decade ago when adjusting for inflation.
Despite the increase in starting salaries, a significant number of teachers still struggle to make a living wage, with 37% reporting moderate or serious financial challenges, and 40% holding more than one job. The NEA report was released ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, with NEA President Becky Pringle emphasizing the importance of advocating for public education to ensure fair compensation for educators. The rise of digital marketing has revolutionized the way businesses reach and engage with their customers. With the ability to target specific demographics, track customer interactions, and measure the success of campaigns in real-time, digital marketing has become an essential tool for companies looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world.
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